Ivory Coast coach Lamouchi to quit after World Cup group-stage exit

Ivory Coast's Serey Die sits on the pitch after Greece's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast during the group C World Cup soccer match between Greece and Ivory Coast at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Tuesday, June 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
(The Associated Press)

FORTALEZA, Brazil – Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi will quit after his squad narrowly missed qualification in the World Cup with an injury-time penalty from Greece.

Lamouchi said he would not seek the renewal of his contract, which ended after the tournament in Brazil.

The 42-year-old former France international took over the Elephants two years ago, and started the match against Greece poised to make the knockout stage for the first time in three attempts.

But the Ivorians were held back by the defensive Greeks who rose from last place in Group C to qualify with a 2-1 win.

The Elephants also failed to impress in last year's African Cup after a strong start, losing in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Nigeria.

"My contract was ending at this World Cup and there will no renewal. The reasons why are obvious," he said. "We haven't done well at the World Cup or at the African Cup, so I think the decision is logical. My journey with the Ivory Coast ends here."